What? VOC regulations take effect Nov. 1, 2013. Are you ready? Do you know the laws and regulations? Join us for presentations from DPR and a roundtable discussion with fellow practitioners on strategies and implications to the PCAs.
Where? Kearney Ag Research and Extension Center, 9240 S. Riverbend Avenue, Parlier CA
When? October 24, 2013 (Thursday) 9 AM to noon
Who to contact for more information? Pete Goodell, 559-646-6515 pbgoodell@ucanr.edu
Why should you attend? The regulation goes into effect Nov. 1, 2013. It is important that you are prepared for the changes.
A meeting will take place on Thursday October 24th, 2013 at Kearney Ag Center to discuss new volatile organic compounds regulations. Please attend to learn more about these new requirements for certain pesticides. The meeting is hosted by the Association of Applied IPM Ecologists and has a registration fee of $35 for members and $50 for nonmembers or $50 at the door. Registration can be completed at: http://aaie.net/training/round-table/.
Dr. Randy Segawa, Environmental Program Manager for CA Department of Pesticide Regulation, will provide an overview of new regulations aimed at curbing volatile organic compounds (VOC) from non-fumigant pesticides. He will review the new regulations and take questions. A moderated roundtable will follow his presentation to discuss details and the implications these regulations will have on IPM programs.
Background:
Beginning November 1, 2013, regulations by the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to cut smog-producing emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from pesticides will go into effect. These regulations reduce VOC emissions from certain nonfumigant pesticides. The regulations are designed to keep VOC emissions below a target level from May to October in the San Joaquin Valley. Designated high-VOC products have restrictions on sales and use.
VOCs are gases that can combine with other substances in the air to form ground-level ozone smog). Ozone can damage lung tissue, cause respiratory illness, and harm farm crops. Statewide, pesticides account for about two percent of all VOCs, but in several regions they are among the top ten sources.
The requirement to obtain a PCA recommendation becomes effective on May 1, 2014, and is in effect every year during May 1 to October 31. High-VOC prohibitions will go into effect only if the trigger level is exceeded.
Use restrictions apply to:
• High-VOC products containing abamectin, chlorpyrifos, gibberellins, or oxyfluorfen; and
• Applied in San Joaquin Valley; and
• Applied between May 1 and October 31 ; and
• Application to alfalfa, almonds, citrus, cotton, grapes, pistachios, or walnuts.